Panel to discuss Pulitzer-winning play

An amazing discovery is made in the mathematical field. An answer to a seemingly impossible proof has been found by a woman. Upon further scrutiny, it appears she may have completed the work herself. However, women are not able to complete complex mathematical problems, at least according to male mathematicians in the play "Proof".\n"Proof," a play written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Auburn, considers the stereotypical belief that women are not as capable of mathematical or scientific thought as their male counterparts.\n"The main character, Catherine, and her sister discover notebooks containing a mathematical proof after their father dies," production staffer Tom Shafer said. "One aspect of the play is about proving whether or not Catherine actually wrote the proof herself."\nThe topic of gender biases in the fields of mathematics and science will also be the topic of a panel discussion held at 3:30 p.m tomorrow at the University Club in the Indiana Memorial Union. The discussion is free and open to the public.\nThe program, "Living Proof: Gender Issues in the Math and Sciences," will give students an opportunity to hear from women in both the mathematical and scientific fields speak about their experiences and observations in a typically male-dominated field. \n"In general, I have noticed a good atmosphere among my students," Sima Setayeshgar, assistant professor in the physics department said. "I have two women in my undergraduate classes, and they are very strong. There is a sense of camaraderie between them." \nSetayeshgar will take part in the panel discussion along with Martha Jacobs, director of the Wells-Metz Theatre production of "Proof" and visiting lecturer in the department of theater and drama; Ayelet Lindenstrauss, associate professor in the department of mathematics; Terry Dworkin, dean of the Office of Women's Affairs; Carol Elam, assistant dean from the University of Kentucky School of Medicine; and Chris Ogan, principal investigator for Natural Sciences Foundation Grant. \nWhile the stereotype that women are not as qualified as men to pursue the study of mathematics or science is slowly fading into oblivion, there are some gender biases that still exist. \n"Historically, mathematics departments were all-male, and women are still outnumbered in them," Lindenstrauss said. "But now women are doing good work in mathematics and being recognized for it."\nThe panel will open with each participant's personal background and experiences, followed by a question and answer session. While the panel will mainly discuss women in the math and science fields, all students, regardless of their area of study, are encouraged to attend.\n"Gender bias is a part of all of our experiences. It happens in all fields and can be a very eye-opening experience," Shafer said. \n"Proof" will be presented at 8 p.m. Feb. 6, 7, 9 to 14at the Wells-Metz Theatre. Matinee performances are at 2 p.m. Feb. 7 and 14. \n-- Contact staff writer Jennifer Griffin at jdgriffi@indiana.edu.